Louisville basketball: Projecting starters at full health

Center: Malik Williams

This should not come as a shock either. Malik Williams was a rotational starter on the 2019 team and is one of the leaders of this team despite not being able to play at all through this season. Williams offers sensible size at the center position that Withers simply cannot offer making him a natural fit for this team.

When Williams comes back is a major question mark. But, when he does, he should be the starting center for the Cardinals as they make their tournament run. He showed immense improvement on the defensive end as a junior where he averaged 8.5 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Chris Mack and staff likely cannot wait to have another veteran presence return to the lineup. His return helps maximize Withers and put a taller, longer lineup on the floor.

Williams should be returning at some point this season, but nothing is set in stone for when exactly he will make his return to game action. When he is back, he is an unquestioned starter for this squad that injects even more interior defense with a natural shot-blocking presence.

Here is how the complete (healthy) starting lineup would look.

PG: 6’1″ Gr. Carlik Jones

SG: 6’5″ So. David Johnson

SF: 6’7″ So. Samuell Williamson

PF: 6’8″ RS Fr. Jae’Lyn Withers

C: 6’11” Sr. Malik Williams

Key Reserves

SG/SF: 6’5″ Fr. Dre Davis

SG/SF: 6’4″ Gr. Charles Minlend

SF/PF: 6’8″ So. Quinn Slazinski

PF/C: 6’8″ Fr. JJ Traynor

PG/SG: 6’4″ So. Josh Nickelberry